All posts by n8rngtd.top

Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho has been linked with a move for one of his former stars this week…

What’s the word?

According to L’Equipe, Spurs have made contact with Paris Saint-Germain attacker Angel Di Maria over a potential switch to north London as he’s out of contract at the end of the season.

It’s claimed that the Ligue 1 champions, now managed by ex-Tottenham favourite Mauricio Pochettino, remain hopeful of securing him to an extension, but Mourinho would like to reunite with his former Real Madrid star if possible.

Di Maria is thought to have rejected PSG’s latest contract offer at the end of 2020 as it reduced his current £220k-per-week terms.

Forget Bale

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will have a major call to make in the summer as there’s a possibility that he could keep hold of Gareth Bale for the foreseeable future as there’s seemingly no way back for him in Spain.

His agent, Jonathan Barrett, didn’t rule out staying beyond the season-long loan, he told talkSPORT (via Sky Sports):

“Yeah, there are lots of opportunities; it’s up to him. The most important thing is for him to enjoy his football and that he’s playing well. As long as that’s happening, it’ll all be fine.”

Whilst football.london claim there is an option to keep him longer.

Well, things have hardly gone to plan so far this campaign as the Welshman has featured for 713 minutes, which includes only one start in the Premier League, per Transfermarkt.

Considering Spurs are paying 40% of his £600k-per-week wages (around £240k-per-week), and would have to either do the same again next season or at least force his contract to end a year early, it could be a financial nightmare.

If Di Maria is available for free in the summer, and on similar, if not reduced wages – as mentioned above – then it’s a no-brainer to bring the Argentinian in instead.

He’s a player that Mourinho knows greatly having managed him for two seasons at the Bernabeu.

Indeed the 32-year-old winger has lauded the Portguese’s impact in the past, he told Dario Ole (via Goal): “Mourinho made me a better player. He showed me many things and made me grow as a footballer.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-and-rumours” title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours, injury latest and more!”]

Whilst he has also spoken to Marca (via Goal), where the 104-cap international dubbed Mourinho “very special,” adding: “With him, I have improved each year.”

Unlike Bale, the PSG star has featured regularly despite his advancing years.

This term, he’s bagged four goals and provided eight assists having featured for a total of 1551 minutes, via WhoScored – over double the time we’ve seen the 31-year-old Bale in a Spurs shirt.

Even over the past two campaigns, Di Maria has shown he can still cut it at an elite level, averaging at least 2.7 key passes per game in back-to-back league campaigns as well as at least 2.4 shots and 1.6 dribbles per game, vis WhoScored.

This merely emphasises his creative nature and the ability to still get past the opposition’s defence to either create chances or provide for himself.

Marco Verratti also believes he’s an “extraordinary player” who’s similar to Arjen Robben. “They’re very important players in modern football because one-on-one they’re incredible, very generous on the pitch, who provide you with 15 or 20 assists every year, very altruistic and give everything for the team,” added the Italian.

Whilst Di Maria was helping PSG qualify for the Champions League final, Bale was largely sat on the bench at Madrid and as he’s yet to prove his worth back in a Spurs shirt, Levy absolutely must consider a move for Di Maria instead if he has a choice between the two.

Landing the £25.2m-rated veteran on a free transfer could be an absolute bargain move.

AND in other news, “talismanic” £20m monster can be Spurs’ dream Harry Kane heir…

Both Celtic and their Old Firm rivals have been linked with a move for Airdrieonians forward Thomas Robert in recent weeks but the Bhoys will have to act fast if they want to sign him, with Dundee United reportedly having already made a bid for him.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, the Tangerines have submitted a bid for the 20-year-old as they attempt to steal the march on Celtic, following the opening of the winter transfer window earlier this week.

It is suggested that Robert’s performances are attracting the interest of sides across Scotland and England, after a superb start to the campaign with the Scottish League One side.

Would he be a good signing for Celtic?

The young right-winger has had no problem adapting to life in Scotland since he joined Airdrieonians from French side Montpellier during the summer, having contributed four goals and two assists in 13 appearances for his new side.

The Hoops are arguably lacking in terms of quality wingers at the club, with just James Forrest available as a natural right-winger, whilst Mohamed Elyounoussi could depart at the end of the season when his loan from Southampton expires.

Therefore, whilst Robert may well prove to be a signing for the future, it would be a mistake by Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell to miss out on him.

Back in December, Airdrie boss Ian Murray admitted that he was anticipating a bid from Celtic for Robert and was full of praise for the Frenchman, saying:

“It wouldn’t surprise me if we have a fight to keep him. Thomas has done really, really well.

“He showed his class again against Clyde with the corner kick, but it wasn’t just that, in the first half he was excellent, his touches on the ball, his movement, his timing in the releasing of the ball, the way he picked up space, was excellent.

“We’ve had loads of clubs looking at him, a few of them were pretty impressed.”

Therefore, it seems clear that Robert won’t be with the League One side for much longer based on his performances this season and the interest being shown in him, so Celtic should flex their financial muscles and ensure that they are the ones to sign the winger this month, as it looks as if he could be a great player in the future for the Bhoys.

And, in other news… Lawwell disaster: Celtic will surely rue not signing gem with 43 goal contributions in 2020

For Olivier Ntcham, his Celtic stay is very quickly running out of gas.

The former Manchester City man was signed under Brendan Rodgers and initially, that looked like good business. He has scored 24 times for the Hoops throughout the years and once established himself as one of the most promising box to box midfielders in Scotland.

However, in double-quick time, it has all unravelled for the Frenchman. No longer does he display the lung-busting energy we associate with Ntcham and his lack of regular minutes this season suggest that he could soon be out the exit door.

The 24-year-old hasn’t started since the end of November and has been touted with a switch to West Brom.

That could be a welcome relief for Neil Lennon, someone who may be troubled by the player’s poor attitude this season.

Speaking earlier in the campaign about Ntcham, talkSPORT presenter Alan Brazil stated: “Ntcham, he looks as if he’s tools down and not bothered.”

Funnily enough, a player who could all but end his stay in Glasgow is in a similar situation in England.

The man in question is Preston’s Ben Pearson, another player being left out of the team because of a contract dispute. Celtic are eyeing a move for him and if they get a deal over the line, it would surely push Ntcham further down the pecking order and likely out of the Parkhead door.

After all, Pearson is a midfielder himself, and a powerful one at that.

Discussing his future over the weekend, Preston boss Alex Neil commented: “Listen, Ben would’ve been fit to be in the squad today, but we’ve signed some new lads that need to get minutes now. Ben has made it clear to us that his future doesn’t lie here come the end of the season.”

It was a damning indictment of the 26-year-old who perhaps like Ntcham, has displeased his manager.

Pearson is one of the most aggressive players around and in picking up 52 yellow cards in the last four and a half years, he is no stranger to throwing in a tackle.

By replacing their French titan with the Preston brute, they’d lose a degree of attacking urgency but importantly, they wouldn’t lose his battling and tough-tackling characteristics.

It seems like for all parties it would be best if Pearson and Ntcham left their respective clubs. Celtic, however, are likely to benefit most.

The former’s current £8.5k-per-week deal expires in the summer and consequently, Nick Hammond can agree a pre-contract with Pearson if he deems Celtic’s offer to be appropriate.

This signing would certainly be shrewd business from the Hoops hierarchy.

AND in other news, Lennon could finally axe Celtic veteran by unleashing “sensational” rarely-seen gem – opinion…

If anything summed up Wolves’ topsy-turvy season it would be their defeat to Burnley.

Over the last month or so they have been a pillar of inconsistency, beating Arsenal and Chelsea but losing to Villa and now Sean Dyche’s men. So how do things improve? Well, the transfer market opening next month should be a big help.

What’s the word?

Wolves supporters were rocked on Tuesday by the news that frightening winger Adama Traore could leave the club for Leeds.

However, lurking in the background of all of that was a report linking the Old Gold with a potential new arrival.

According to Tutto Mercato Web (via Sempre Milan), Wolves are one of a few clubs interested in signing Strasbourg defender Mohamed Simakan.

It’s reported that themselves and Everton are both considering a move for the centre-back, but it looks as though AC Milan are currently in the box seat.

That’s because talks are ongoing between the Ligue 1 side and the Rossoneri over a deal that could be worth between €15-€20m (£13m-£18m).

The player reportedly prefers a move to the San Siro.

Big mistake

Considering Simakan is just 20 years of age, Wolves would clearly be paying for the potential here. However, that isn’t necessarily a good idea from Jeff Shi, especially so soon after signing Fabio Silva.

Of course, Silva cost a club-record £35.6m so has other pressures to deal with, but we’ve already seen that paying such large sums for a player with little experience isn’t too fruitful.

The Portuguese striker has scored just one goal in the Premier League since arriving and there isn’t a great deal to suggest Simakan would perform from the off either.

The youngster played only 19 times last season and is currently playing for a side who are 16th in the French top-flight.

Strasbourg have conceded the third-highest number of goals in the division – 28 – and Simakan has won only 1.8 tackles per game. Considering how much defending his side have had to do this term, that isn’t the best tally.

This would be a rogue pick from Wolves, one we’re not entirely sure would be worth it.

AND in other news, Wolves LIABILITY who lost 83.4% of his duels will have Nuno fuming…

Manchester United’s start to this season has been a rollercoaster of a ride.

Linked to the likes of Borussia Dortmund starlet Jadon Sancho, Leicester City star James Maddison and former Birmingham City wonderkid Jude Bellingham in the summer, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was forced to settle for nothing less than Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani and Donny van de Beek, as well as promising youngsters Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri. Oh the shame!

But that’s not all, though.

Solskjaer has had to dodge rampant speculation over his future at Old Trafford all the way to taking his side to the top of the table, level on points with reigning Premier League champions Liverpool. It almost beggars belief, really.

But if there’s one criticism that can be made, they arguably lack that final cutting edge in the midfield. Other than Bruno Fernandes, no other midfielder has reached double figures  – Scott McTominay is the closest despite only scoring three goals in 20 appearances across all competitions.

According to The Daily Mail, United had the chance to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa. However, the Red Devils refused to meet their asking price, and a move failed to materialise as he signed a contract extension to extend his stay at Villa Park in the end instead.

It goes without saying that Grealish would have added a great deal to Solskjaer’s side, having provided five goals and nine assists in 15 games in the Premier League this season thus far, via Transfermarkt.

The 25-year-old bears some resemblance to his countryman Paul Gascoigne. Just like Gascoigne, he is a superb dribbler, capable of picking the ball up from inside his own half and gliding past defenders.

Per WhoScored, Grealish has managed, on average, 2.9 dribbles  per game for Villa in the Premier League. By comparison, new summer recruit Van de Beek has averaged a mere 0.4 attempts over the same metric.

In terms of shots per game, there’s almost no comparison, as the England international is far ahead of the 23-year-old by quite some margin – 2.7 in contrast to Van de Beek’s abysmal 0.1, albeit from far fewer starts.

BT Sport pundit Robbie Savage believes Grealish would be an “incredible” signing for any team inside the top five, as quoted by The Daily Express.

Whether the Red Devils will regard this as a missed opportunity in the years to come remains to be seen, but Woodward will have to break the bank in order to meet Villa’s £100m valuation.

AND in other news, Manchester United must swoop for Lens defender Facundo Medina…

Aston Villa have been handed a major boost in the race to sign Milot Rashica, after Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, played down a potential move for the winger.

What’s the story?

Reports over the summer transfer window suggested that the Kosovo international was a key target for Villa as they looked ahead to their second season back in the Premier League.

It was claimed that after initially wanting to stay in the Bundesliga, the £16.2m-rated Rashica had a change of heart and was open to a move to the Premier League and join Villa, with Dean Smith’s side ready to cough up big money.

The single toughest football logo quiz of all time…

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

And with reports in recent weeks claiming that Villa are contemplating reigniting their interest in the forward in January, they were given a significant boost when one of their rivals for his signature, Leverkusen appeared to pour cold water over a move.

Rolfes said: “That was a consideration in the summer, especially because of the many games in the autumn. In the winter we will re-evaluate it but at the moment he is not an issue.”

Another exciting signing for Smith

With Leverkusen seemingly bowing out of the race for Rashica, Villa may well have an open road to luring him to the Premier League in the upcoming January transfer window.

The 24-year-old has struggled with injury problems this season, making just five appearances, but when he is fit and firing, he is an explosive attacker who could bring yet more pace and dynamism to Villa’s attack.

Hailed as someone who “makes scoring look easy”, Rashica can play anywhere just behind the striker and even up front too, and that kind of versatility will be like gold dust to the Villa boss.

It seems like a no-brainer for Villa to go after him next month. Johan Lange must surely be licking his lips.

Aston Villa have made some big-name signings recently, with players like Ross Barkley and Emiliano Martinez being brought during the last transfer window. They have been linked to Jesse Lingard in the past and there is now a fresh update on the player’s future.

The latest transfer update on Lingard

According to TEAMtalk, Lingard is ready to ask Manchester United to let him leave in January. His contract expires in the summer, so United will need to sell him this winter if they want to get any money for him. They could, in theory, extend his deal but this doesn’t seem to be likely at this stage.

Lingard also has interest from abroad with teams from Germany, Spain and Italy keen, as well as Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers, keen to sign him.

Would the Englishman be a good signing for Villa

Lingard is yet to feature for the Red Devils in the Premier League this campaign.

However, he has definitely shown he has the potential to succeed in the Premier League in the past, as highlighted by his performances in the division across the 2017/18 season, where he scored eight goals and six assists (Transfermarkt).

In the past, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised the England international saying: “Jesse’s a big game player” but he’s yet to reward the midfielder with much game time.

Lingard also has 24 England appearances, emphasising he has an abundance of experience. A move to a club like Villa, where he should get more chances to play, could be ideal in unlocking the quality we have seen him show in the past.

With his contract expiring, Dean Smith’s side could get Lingard on the cheap, and whilst it could look like a risky signing, it could turn into a great one if they can get the Englishman back to his best and as such, it might be a gamble worth taking.

In other news, fans react to Gabriel Agbonlahor’s comments on this Bundesliga star.

According to recent reports, more good news could be that Son looks set to begin talks over a new deal – as claimed by reliable transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. 

As Tottenham drop this latest Instagram tease over the star’s return, it appears he will be ready to partner Kane against Man City at the weekend.

In other news: Levy could be forced to sell this ‘perfect’ Tottenham star, find out more here. 

Aston Villa’s latest move should strike shades of Stewart Downing into the Midlands if emerging reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mirror, Dean Smith’s side are leading the charge to sign Liverpool misfit Harry Wilson this summer but the Premier League champions refuse to budge on their £20m valuation.

It’s claimed that Villa would be prepared to offer up to £12m and are waiting to see if the Merseysiders ‘blink first’.

The likes of Leeds United, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Southampton have all also shown interest in the 23-year-old.

Shades of Downing

Wilson has struggled to break into Jurgen Klopp’s senior line-up since making his debut in 2017, and it has seen him go out on loan four times with the latest coming at relegated AFC Bournemouth last term.

Per WhoScored, the Welsh international scored seven times in 31 appearances whilst averaging 1.8 shots, 0.5 dribbles and 0.5 key passes per game.

He’s also widely known as a set-piece specialist, which earned high praise from his German boss earlier in the season, he said: “I am happy he cannot play against us! Each free-kick is a proper threat. We were never in doubt about Harry’s shooting abilities, his skills in that part of the game are incredible – world-class, for sure.”

Having someone who can deliver a decent ball in is something that Villa have lacked for several years, perhaps dating back to Downing’s time at Villa Park.

The club splashed £12m on the veteran winger back in 2009 after a very encouraging spell at Middlesbrough but there are clearly similarities between the two with the pair being dead-ball experts.

Smith does indeed have a few options out wide, but Wilson would undoubtedly be an upgrade on Jota and perhaps, a nice squad option to have going into the new campaign.

AND in other news, Smith must land 1-2 sucker-punch with a swoop for £20m sensation…

Chelsea’s Carabao Cup hopes have come to an end after Spurs edged them out of the competition on penalties last night. 

The Blues took the lead through Timo Werner in the first half but couldn’t make any further chances count. Jose Mourinho’s side were able to batten down the hatches and wait until their opportunity to strike.

Indeed, their patient game paid off and Spurs were able to force the equaliser deep into the second half through Erik Lamela. Despite Chelsea fielding Ben Chilwell, Timo Werner and Edouard Mendy, it wasn’t enough to see them into the quarter-finals.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has criticised Frank Lampard’s defence and has admitted it’s a big problem within the team.

“So poor a goal to concede, Emerson [Palmieri] has time to run back and make it a four,” the former Blue told Sky Sports (via football.london). “[Kurt] Zouma also should have got the ball but it happens time and time again with Chelsea with individual mistakes.”

Despite spending about £250million on new signings, Chelsea have won just two out of their last five fixtures. A defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League has also put them on the back foot early in what could’ve been a close title race.

“He has the time. You smell danger but it’s like he goes through the motions and jogs back,” Hasselbaink continued on Palmieri. “He doesn’t see the urgency and the danger. It’s a big worry.”

Adding Chilwell and Mendy to their ranks along with veteran Thiago Silva was a huge statement by Chelsea. Their business showed that they had acknowledged the team’s weaknesses and were eager to plug the leaks.

But so far, the club’s lavish spending hasn’t proved to be too effective and the Blues have toppled out of the Carabao Cup. They will hope to make amends against Crystal Palace at the weekend in the Premier League.

How do you think Chelsea performed against Spurs? Have your say in the comments below…